Close South Africa 445 for 3 (Gibbs 228, Smith 151)
Scorecard

Operation World Domination is fully underway. Last week, South Africa overpowered Pakistan by 10 wickets in the first Test at Durban, a result which left them needing nothing more than a draw to become world champions. Today, they strode towards that throne by adopting methods which the Australians had almost patented over the past year. Only, so ruthless were South Africa in their execution, that even Steve Waugh and co. would probably be shaking their heads in admiration.

Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith led the charge on a day in which an incredible 445 runs were scored at a rate of exactly five per over. Gibbs helped himself to 228 of the finest, while Smith made 151. A slew of records fell by the wayside as the openers added 368, the fourth-highest first-wicket partnership ever in Test cricket, and the highest South African effort for any wicket. By the end of it all, Pakistan were well and truly battered.

Waqar Younis's misery began when he lost the toss and was asked to bowl on a bare and mottled pitch. A hint of early moisture threatened to aid Pakistan's seamers, but on a gloriously sunny day, the conditions eased out quickly, and from then on, it was one relentless leather-hunt for the fielders.

Smith was the aggressor at the start, but soon settled down to play second fiddle as Gibbs unfurled some delectable cover-drives, cuts and pulls. His century was quick enough, coming off 125 balls, but he cranked it up another notch thereafter, reaching his double-century off just 211 balls, the second-fastest ever. Only Nathan Astle had done better, on the way to his memorable 222 against England at Christchurch last year. By the time Gibbs was finally - and dubiously - given out, caught by Younis Khan at slip off Saqlain Mushtaq, he had spanked 29 fours and six sixes, four of them off Saqlain, who had an entirely forgettable day.

Smith took 155 balls to reach his century. It was his second in Tests, but his first against an attack of any reckoning - his earlier one had come against Bangladesh. Though he was relatively subdued, he struck some powerful square-drives and pulls, hitting 18 fours before Mohammad Zahid sneaked one through his defences.

On a pitch which had little to offer to the bowlers, Pakistan struggled with their control and were made to pay heavily. As if the indiscipline from their bowlers wasn't bad enough, Pakistan also dropped three chances - Gibbs was dropped by Yousuf Youhana at backward point when on 29, and then again by Salim Elahi at midwicket on 99, while Smith (54) survived a sharp chance to Younis Khan at first slip.

To make matters worse for Pakistan, they struggled with their over-rate, despite having Saqlain Mushtaq bowl 32 overs. By tea, they had only completed 50 of the stipulated 60, ensuring that they'd have to endure a long final session.

That was also the session when all the wickets fell. Waqar, in one final burst of aggression, ended Gary Kirsten's innings of 19 with one that climbed wickedly off a length, took the batsman's glove, and lobbed to Younis Khan at gully (414 for 3). Jacques Kallis and Boeta Dippenaar saw off the last few overs without further alarms. With Neil McKenzie, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock still to follow, South Africa are on course for a 600-plus total. Australia's days at the top are officially numbered.

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